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Recent discussions in the House of Commons have brought to light the severe implications of bank closures in rural areas. Led by Simon Hoare, MP for North Dorset, a debate on bank closures in rural areas ...
A National Audit Office (NAO) report reveals critical sustainability issues in local government finances, driven by rising demands on essential services and delays in finance reform. Despite a 4% increase in total funding through the Local...
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has announced that select councils experiencing significant financial difficulties will receive additional government support to aid in balancing their budgets for the upcoming financial year. Thirty councils identified as facing...
A recent State of Caring Survey conducted by Carers UK has exposed significant challenges faced by unpaid carers across the UK, revealing a distressing trend of overwhelm and inadequate support. The survey provides a crucial insight...
The Department of Health and Social Care , along with NHS England , has announced the rollout of 700,000 additional urgent dental appointments in England, following directions issued to integrated care boards (ICBs) nationwide. This initiative is part of...
Have you noticed the trend of banks and building societies shifting towards online services, leaving fewer branches on our high streets? This change can make cash deposits a real hassle for local businesses. But don't worry, SMEB is here to...
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has recently brought to light a critical issue impacting rural communities across rural communities in England, particularly in the South West. Over the past decade, funding cuts have led to a significant reduction in...
Health disparities have long cast a shadow over the well-being of rural communities, a situation further exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. The recently published report by the Health Innovation Netw ork, " Forging a More Equitable Healthy Future Through Policy...
The Rural Services Network (RSN) continues to express deep concern over the significant disparities highlighted in the latest local government finance settlement. The funding allocations continue to disadvantage rural communities, where residents already face higher costs and reduced services compared...
As the national champion for rural services, the RSN is committed to advocating for equitable funding across England's rural communities. Today we will be submitting our detailed response to the government's consultation on the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement...
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HOT TOPICS
Amid reduced public spending, fair resource allocation across regions is crucial. Despite a population larger than Greater London, rural areas receive significantly less funding for essential services, even though delivering these services in rural areas is more expensive.
Economic growth is widely acknowledged as essential for national wealth and prosperity and is a priority for political parties. Rural economies, employing millions and home to a higher proportion of small businesses, have potential for growth if barriers are removed.
Rural residents face distinct healthcare challenges, including limited access to transport, longer distances to medical facilities, an aging demographic, housing inadequacies, digital connectivity gaps, and difficulties recruiting health and care workers.
Rural communities are grappling with a severe affordable housing crisis, marked by high house prices, a lack of affordable housing, elevated living costs, and lower incomes, threatening their sustainability and vitality.
Transport is vital for the quality of life and economic health of rural areas, yet it faces challenges such as infrequent public bus services and less Government funding compared to urban regions.
Rural areas, encompassing a substantial portion of England's population and land, play a pivotal role in combating climate change and achieving the net zero target.
In an increasingly digital world, the lack of robust digital infrastructure in rural areas severely limits access to crucial services and stifles economic growth.
A future-focused vision for rural communities involves not just building the right homes in the right places but also ensuring thriving, sustainable communities.
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